ARMENIA’S ACCESSION TO CUSTOMS UNION WILL PROVIDE ARMENIAN JEWELERS WITH CERTAIN ADVANTAGES

YEREVAN, October 25. / ARKA /. Armenia’s accession to the Customs Union
of Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus will provide Armenian jewelers with
certain advantages, according to Artak Udumyan, vice -president of
the World Association of Armenian Jewelers (AJA).

“Of course, I am for Armenia’s accession to the Customs Union, since
Russia is the largest producer of diamonds and gold, and we will be
able to get cheaper uncut diamonds,” he said to a news conference
today.

According to him, Russia is one of the largest jewelry markets,
and jewelers from around the world, including Armenia are seeking to
enter this market.

“The Customs Union will open new opportunities. In the meantime, the
share of Armenian jewelry in the Russian market is extremely small,
less than one percent. The main suppliers are China and Turkey,”
he said.

According to the National Statistical Service of Armenia, in January
-August some 759.1 kg of jewelry were produced in the country, up 7.8%
from the same time span in 2012.

Diamond production during the same period amounted to 58,927 carats,
an increase of 49.2 % compared to January-August 2012.

Also $120.3 million worth precious and semi-precious stones were
exported in January -August this year, an increase of 5.9 % compared
to the same period of 2012 . -0-

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